(TJJD) Youth Handbook - Texas Juvenile Justice Department

RELEASE & DISCHARGE(NON-SENTENCED OFFENDERS)Note: If you have a determinate sentence, you need to read the chapter called Release andDischarge (Sentenced Offenders), since this chapter will not apply to you.Release means you go home from a TJJD facility or program, but you are stillunder supervision (on parole). Discharge means you are finished with TJJDcompletely. Working hard in your treatment and in school, and staying out oftrouble, will help you earn release and discharge the fastest.This chart shows what you have to do to get released from a secure facility if youare not a sentenced offender.Finishing the Program1. Finish your minimum length of stay (9 – 24 months).2. Have no major rule violations 30 days before your exit interview withyour Special Services Committee (SSC) or during your releaseapproval process.3. Be participating in, or have completed, any specialized treatmentprogram you were assigned.4. Be on the highest stage in your rehabilitation (usually youthempowerment status – YES stage), which shows you: are participating in school and workforce programs are participating in skills development groups are showing positive skills you learned at TJJD have finished a community re-integration plan5. Your community re-integration plan should show: you understand your risk and protective factors you will keep developing skills to reduce your risk factors andincrease protective factors you have goals and a plan to achieve them you know what will get in the way of your success and you have aplan to deal with itLOOKING AHEADTAKING RESPONSIBILITY & DEFINING YOUR FUTURE73